Nagaland storms into NECDC final again, eyes hat-trick title
Nagaland has booked its place in the final of the 3rd NECDC Senior Men’s Interstate Friendship Tournament 2025 for the third consecutive year, defeating Manipur by four wickets in a tense semi-final encounter at the Nagaland Cricket Stadium, Chümoukedima. With this win, the host team stands on the cusp of a historic hat-trick of titles in the regional tournament. Nagaland defeated Manipur in both previous occasions.
The rain-affected clash, reduced to 42 overs per side, witnessed Nagaland chasing down a revised target of 148 with just seven balls to spare. The side showed poise both with the ball and the bat, as they managed the game’s shifting momentum with calm resolve. Leading the charge was Vino G Zhimomi, whose stellar bowling figures of 3 for 14 from 10 overs earned him the Player of the Match award.
Earlier, Manipur had put up a competitive 159 for 9 in their full quota of 49 overs. Jotin Singh Pheiroijam stood tall with the bat for the visitors, compiling a steady 72 off 86 balls to anchor the innings. However, Nagaland’s bowlers never let the scoreboard get out of hand. Akavi A Yeptho supported Zhimomi ably, picking up 3 for 30 in his ten overs.
Nagaland’s chase got off to a solid start but required resilience in the middle overs as Manipur’s bowlers, led by Pheiroijam (3 for 27), applied pressure. Yugi’s brisk 46 off 48 balls provided early momentum, while Nchumbemo Humtsoe’s unbeaten 35 off 64 balls anchored the innings through to the end. His calm presence under pressure ensured that Nagaland crossed the finish line at 150 for 6 in 38.5 overs.
With the final now in sight, the focus shifts to whether Nagaland can complete a treble and lift the NECDC trophy for a third consecutive year—a feat that would underline their dominance in Northeast cricket.
Meghalaya make history, set up final showdown with hosts Nagaland
Meghalaya stormed into the final of the 3rd NECDC Senior Men’s Interstate Friendship Tournament 2025 with a dominant seven-wicket win over Arunachal Pradesh at the Sovima Cricket Ground in Nagaland on Tuesday. This marks Meghalaya’s best-ever finish in the tournament, having failed to reach the final in the previous two editions.
After winning the toss, Meghalaya chose to field first and their bowlers wasted no time in justifying the decision. Arunachal Pradesh, despite reaching 50 for 1 at one stage, collapsed under sustained pressure and accurate bowling, eventually being bowled out for just 101 in 33.1 overs.
Manish Sharma was the architect of the collapse, delivering a stunning spell of 4 wickets for just 2 runs in 5.1 overs, earning him the Player of the Match. He was ably supported by Ram Gurung, who took 3 for 21 in 7 overs, and Aryan Borah, who returned figures of 3 for 28 in his full quota of 10 overs. Arunachal skipper Neelam Obi top-scored with 28, but none of the other batters managed to settle, as six wickets fell bowled and Meghalaya’s fielding backed up the bowlers with clinical precision.
Chasing a modest target of 102, Meghalaya’s top order made light work of the total, wrapping up the win in just 19.3 overs. Arpit Bhatewara led the charge with a commanding 49 off 39 balls, hitting 10 boundaries in the process. He partnered with Arien Bonchang Sangma (22 off 30) to stitch a solid opening stand of 56 runs. Though both openers eventually fell, Meghalaya captain Kishan Lyngdoh contributed a steady 13 off 21 before Nishanta Chakraborty (16 not out) and Lerry G Sangma (1 not out) guided the team home without further loss.
With this victory, Meghalaya sets up a highly anticipated final clash against defending champions Nagaland on Thursday. The two sides had already met in the group stage, where Meghalaya defeated hosts Nagaland by 14 runs in a rain-affected match. Meghalaya then crushed Sikkim by nine wickets to top Group B, with Arpit remaining unbeaten on 55 and Akash scoring 53 not out.
The tournament, hosted by the Nagaland Cricket Association under the aegis of the North East Cricket Development Council, serves as crucial preparation for the BCCI 2025–26 domestic season.
The final will be played on 15 May at Nagaland Cricket Stadium with Nagaland chief minister and Convener, NECDC, Dr Neiphiu Rio, as special guest for the closing and prize distribution ceremony.